Exclusive Resorts Kids Take Manhattan Review

By: Destination Club News
Date: November 5, 2010

Above all, joining a destination club is an investment in time with family. Members get to travel to expansive vacation homes spacious enough to host family and friends without any of the hassles of finding accommodations, planning activities and excursions, or even shopping for groceries. This focus on quality time has brought a newfound interest in catering to the specific passions of every member of the family. Golf destinations for dad. Leisure spots for mom. More recently, the destination club child experience has been taken to a new level, with Exclusive Resorts going as far to create a members-only weekend centered solely on their next generation of members: an annual "Kids Take Manhattan" event.

We spoke with Andy Irvine, the club's Director of Events and Family Activities, about the recent occasion of this popular event that took place in early October.

"At this year’s Kids Take Manhattan event we whisked our ER kids and their families away to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island," Irvine began. "They stood in the shadow of Lady Liberty, taking in views of this majestic national monument and universal symbol of freedom and democracy, without the usual crowds -- because we arranged to have Liberty Island closed to the public during the visit! We then took them to Ellis Island, the historic gateway to the United States where the ancestors of millions of American citizens first set foot in this country, to enjoy a private sunset dinner. This sort of VIP experience, where our members enjoy privileged access that just can’t be had without the club, is typical of what we always try to do with our Member Events program."

The weekend-long event continued on Saturday, when Exclusive Resorts members and their children got up close and personal with A-list celebrities, sports legends, political heavyweights and historical icons at the famous Madame Tussaud's Wax Museum. Irvine noted that one popular part of the visit, for both parents and kids alike, was the club’s exclusive 'greenroom' at the museum, complete with treats and sweets, where families could relax and get to know one another. "One thing we have discovered at these events is how much our members enjoy meeting each other and comparing notes on their club travels. It’s been great to see friendships blossom between member families every time."

The event came to a close on Sunday with a matinee viewing of the acclaimed musical Wicked, from ideally situated orchestra seats. "No visit to New York would be complete with without a visit to Broadway,” Irvine told us. "It’s always great to get a chance to see kids' faces light up when the curtain rises on their first full-blown theatrical production. All in all it was a terrific weekend, and inspired us as we plan more events for ER kids in the future."

When considering destination club membership, evaluating these ancillary benefits should play into your decision. Exclusive Resorts has a collection of member only events and Once In A Lifetime journeys available to members. The Abercrombie & Kent Residence Club allows members the ability to exchange a portion of their nights for safaris and other adventures within A&K. Clubs like Equity Estates and Quintess have partnered with other destination clubs to give members more destinations, often of the international variety.

If you would like to learn about the other areas you should consider when speaking with a club, request a free copy of our Destination Club Guide, you resource for information about every destination club.